Facebook Groups: How To

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The creators of Facebook seem to be attempting to go back to their roots with the introduction of the new Groups function. Exclusivity seems to be the big push with this revelation. Previously, groups could have hundreds of thousands of members. Now, there’s a maximum limit of 250 members. The purpose seems to be to allow users to post their love for Sponge Bob Square Pants or pictures of them drunk as a skunk without people who may frown on those things seeing.

It also comes with a few new bells and whistles. The group chat feature lets users chat in real time with all members of the group at once. Docs is similar to a notepad and allows users to write and edit notes to each other. There is also a new mailing list feature that makes it easy to keep in touch with all members of the group.

So, how do you use this new feature?

Create a group

The first step is creation. Currently there are two ways to create a group on Facebook, and it’s unclear whether you get all the new group features if you create it the old way. When I tried to create a group, they seemed ...
... to be working on the new feature and it wouldn’t let me create one either way. However, in theory, this is what you would do.

To create a group the old way, you simply click on groups on the left side of your screen. It will be under news feed, messages, friend requests, etc. If you don’t see it, go down to the bottom of the list where it says “more” in blue. Click on that and it will expand your options. Then click on groups. This will open all the groups you’re already a member of. In the top right corner there’s a grey box that says “create group.” Click on that and you’re on your way! This option requires a lot more information on your part. A group name, description and type of group are all required pieces of information. Then, if you want, you can put in news, office (although, I’m not sure what they mean by that), e-mail, Web site, street and city. Then you’re up and running! (Or so I’ve heard.)

The new way is much more simplistic, but it doesn’t have a direct link on your home page…yet. Visit www.facebookcom/groups to get started. Click “create group” in the green box in the center of the screen. A box pops up for you to fill out the group name, members and security settings. Open groups allow all Facebook users access to the group. Closed groups let users see the group, but only members can see specific content. Secret groups can’t be seen or found in searches and are not displayed on member’s profiles. Select a security setting and you’re on your way!

Group Chat

Regular Facbook chat only allows interaction with one other member. The new group chat is similar to a chat room, allowing all members of that group to chat live. To us it, you must be on your group’s page. Go to the top right-hand side of the page and select chat. There you will see profile pictures of who’s online and available to chat †a green dot means they’re there, a half moon means they’re idle. You can chat with all group members this way, however members who are unconfirmed friends will not be able to chat with you outside the groups page.

Docs

The docs feature allows members to post, view and edit information collectively. For example, I can post that there’s going to be a barbeque next weekend at the park. My neighbor can post it will be a potluck, and she will be bringing dessert. Someone else can get on and say it starts at 3 and will bring drinks, and so on. To create a new doc for your group, make sure you’re on your group’s page, and then go to the share function at the top of the page. Select “doc” and you’re ready to inform your group!

So, now that you’re armed with information, create groups to your heart’s content!